FAQs

ImpraGas Ltd. FAQs

How often should my boiler be serviced?

If you are a landlord who provides rented accommodation for one or more tenants, you are legally required to get a Gas Safety Certificate for all gas appliances (including gas boilers) once per year.
Even if you do not lease to other people, it’s still a good idea to get your boiler serviced annually to ensure that it is running efficiently and safely. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

How will I know when to replace my boiler?

As a general rule, a boiler should last for about 15 years before it needs to be replaced. Regular services will help to ensure that your boiler reaches this age; neglecting your boiler may force you to replace it somewhat before the 15-year mark.

Here are some signs to look out for – if you notice any of the following things occurring, it may be time to invest in a new boiler for your home:

Water leaking from your boiler

Boiler making strange noises (e.g. pops, hisses and knocking sounds)

Boiler taking a long time to heat up

Boiler failing to heat up properly

Temperature fluctuating while boiler is on

Additionally, if your boiler is breaking down on a regular basis, it may be more cost-effective to simply buy a brand new unit than to keep paying for repairs every time something goes wrong!

How long does a boiler service take?

The answer to this question varies depending on your boiler and what kind of condition it’s in. However, a standard boiler service tends to take between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

How can I keep my boiler healthy in between services?

Here are a few tips to help you keep your boiler running over the months in between your gas engineer’s annual visits:

Use your boiler regularly. To prevent your boiler from seizing up, it’s recommended that you occasionally switch on your heating even during warmer months. No need to leave it on for hours – ten minutes or so every few weeks will be sufficient to ensure that your central heating system is still in prime working condition when winter arrives.

Keep an eye on the pressure. Air can sometimes get trapped in radiators, and when this happens, it puts a strain on your boiler and reduces the system’s overall energy efficiency. If you notice that the bottom part of your radiator is colder than the top part, there’s a good chance it needs to be bled.

Keep the area around your boiler clear. Boilers need to be well-ventilated. Try not to clutter the space that houses your boiler with items that could be stored elsewhere.

Ensure that your pipes are insulated. Pipes can freeze and even burst during very cold periods. It’s important to insulate your boiler’s pipework to prevent this problem from arising.

How do you bleed a radiator?

Bleeding a radiator is a simple process that just about anyone can do. Follow this step-by-step guide (you will need a radiator key and a towel to catch any drips):

Switch off your heating if you haven’t already done so.

Place your radiator key in the radiator’s bleed valve (usually found in the top corners).

Slowly turn the key anticlockwise and listen for a hissing sound.

Give the air a moment or two to escape from the radiator.

When water begins to leak out, turn the key clockwise to lock the bleed valve.

Once you’ve finished bleeding your radiators, it’s a good idea to check your boiler’s pressure gauge, as this process may have caused a drop in pressure. If necessary, be sure to top up the pressure as low pressure means reduced efficiency.

I live in rented accommodation – how can I report a problem with my home’s plumbing/gas?

It is your landlord’s responsibility to ensure that plumbing and gas installations in your home are working properly without posing a threat to your health and safety. If you believe any gas appliances and/or plumbing to be faulty, the first thing to do is report the issue(s) to your landlord, who will hopefully take steps to rectify the situation.

If your landlord fails to fulfil their duties within a reasonable timeframe, you may have to contact your local council to ensure that your situation is properly dealt with. Some people in these circumstances will decide to take legal action against the landlord; if you choose to make a claim, you may wish to hire a solicitor to guide you through the legal process involved.